Both Facebook and YouTube are dominant platforms with large user bases and robust features. Facebook excels in advertising targeting and data transparency, while YouTube shines in video quality, content creator monetization, and community engagement. The choice between them depends on specific needs and priorities.
| Attribute | YouTube | |
|---|---|---|
| User base size and demographics | 3.068 billion monthly active users as of Q4 2024; Largest age group is 25-34 (31.1%); Gender distribution is 56.8% male and 43.2% female; Users spend an average of 32 minutes daily on Facebook. | Over 2.70 billion monthly active users (January 2025); Second most popular social media platform; India: 491 million users, United States: 253 million, Brazil: 144 million; Gender split: 54% male, 46% female; Largest user segment: 25-34 age group (around 30%), followed by 15-24 age group (roughly 25%) |
| Content moderation policies and effectiveness | Aligning requirements for using Live with industry standards to limit the spread of potentially harmful content; As of June 10, 2024, Facebook Live streamers need to meet requirements such as having a Facebook account at least 60 days old and Pages needing at least 100 followers. | Combination of automated systems and human moderators; Focus on preventing real-world harm; Content removed if violates guidelines, with appeal process; Some content age-restricted; Eases moderation for 'public interest' videos |
| Advertising options and targeting capabilities | Highly effective in 2024 due to its vast user base and advanced targeting options; Targeting options include geographical, demographic, interest-based, and behavioral targeting; Custom Audiences allow targeting users who have previously interacted with your brand, and Lookalike Audiences help find new potential customers similar to your existing audience. | Creators earn money through advertising; Various ad formats (skippable, non-skippable, bumper ads, sponsored cards); Targets users based on viewing behavior and interests; Emphasizes audience-based targeting |
| Data privacy and security measures | Has procedures in place to comply with data protection laws, including GDPR; Provides transparency over what information they collect, why they collect it, and how you can manage your information. | Uses data to improve user experience; Users can manage activity data in 'Your Data in YouTube'; Offers data minimization tools like auto-delete; Does not sell personal information; Complies with GDPR |
| Algorithm transparency and fairness | Algorithm considers ads users click on, pages they engage with, activities they engage in across Meta platforms, demographics, and the mobile device used. | Uses search and watch history to improve user experience and recommendations; Users can view or delete data from history |
| Content creator monetization opportunities | Not available | Advertising, channel memberships, Super Chat & Super Stickers, YouTube Shopping, YouTube Premium revenue share; Must be eligible for YouTube Partner Program (YPP); Player for Education program |
| Community engagement features | Not available | Community Tab for text updates, images, polls, GIFs, and video sharing; Subscribers can create posts on a channel's Community Tab |
| Live streaming capabilities | As of June 10, 2024, Facebook Live streamers will need to meet certain requirements to live stream to their Pages and Professional Mode Profiles; Facebook accounts intended for live streaming must have been created at least 60 days prior; Pages intending to use the live streaming feature must have at least 100 followers. | Webcam, mobile, or encoder streaming; Free for registered and verified users; Live streaming from mobile devices and web browsers; 4K @ 60fps |
| Video quality and resolution support | MP4 is the recommended format for optimal quality and compression; Minimum video resolution is 1080 x 1080 pixels; Supports aspect ratios from 9:16 to 16:9; Maximum length for organic videos is 120 minutes (2 hours), and for ads, it's 240 minutes (4 hours); Maximum file size for all videos is 4GB. | 240p to 4320p (8K UHD); Common choices: 1080p (FHD) and 4K UHD; Recommended upload format: .MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC-LC audio codec |
| Integration with other platforms and services | Not available | Integrated with other Google services |
| Mobile app usability and features | Not available | Primary access method (63% of views); User-friendly mobile apps |
| Customer support and resources | Offers various types of support, including the Facebook Help Center; Users can report a problem directly to Facebook; Offers live chat support for certain Facebook Business accounts advertising with active campaigns; You can also contact Facebook Support via email. | Help Center, Community Help Forum, YouTube Help video channels; Creator Support Team for eligible YPP members; Problem reporting within platform; Contact via @TeamYouTube on Twitter |